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As the weekend arrives and we dive deeper into December and ever closer to the end of the year, I am gradually organizing my Christmas Eve tapas party, considering which recipes to try again and which to attempt for the first time. Just as important, I'm planning my wine and cocktail menu as well. And since I tend to prefer a glass of red wine or prosecco, I know exactly what I want to serve.
Last week, I had the fortunate opportunity to interview the vintners of a local winery that creates the most scrumptious, buttery chardonnay I have found in the Walla Walla Valley. Lori and Tim Kennedy were kind enough to be interviewed and invite me to their vineyard where I became better acquainted with their venture into wine. And what I discovered was quite inspiring. Do be sure to view the winery spotlight of Don Carlo Vineyard.
As I continue along my journey here on The
Simply Luxurious Life, my desire is to share with you tips, opportunities and insights into how to increase the quality of your life without breaking the budget, and while I know on the surface wine tasting might seem an exceedingly extravagant hobby or interest (trust me, I did too before I moved near the Walla Walla Valley), what I have discovered is quite the contrary. So if you're not terribly familiar with wine, but have a curiosity that has been piqued, join me as I periodically share with you ways to enjoy wine while sticking to your budget and learn about wineries whose wine is worth tasting and adding to your wine rack or cellar. Hard work for me I know, but somebody's gotta do it.
And since I know many of you are planning your very own dinner parties or holiday gatherings in the next few weeks, here is a post from the archives that might come in handy . . .
First of all, I want to thank you for your patience regarding last week's newsletter snaffu. As you will notice, this week's newsletter is a double issue including this week and last week's posts. And to extend my gratitude, I was able to squeeze in one last giveaway before the end of 2012, so do be sure to enter. Penguin books extended the opportunity to send a just released deluxe edition of Vahram Muratyan's Paris Versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities
hardcover book full of the original illustrations as well as 35 new illustrations to one lucky Simply Luxurious Life reader. Simply enter by Thursday, December 20th, and while the winner won't receive their copy before Christmas, it is certainly a book I adore and think you will too especially if you have a soft spot for Paris and New York City (click here to enter).
With a handful of posts that captured readers attention these past few weeks on the blog, for anyone who is single during this year's holidays, I have a post
you might what to take a look at. It has stirred up wonderful conversation, and as I can attest, it is not a time to dread, but a time to revel in and make your own as one of our readers explains her dream-like plans to travel to Paris in just a few weeks (oh, what a wonderful place to be this time of year).
And of course, the planner that I am couldn't help but get excited about making my resolutions for 2013, so last week's Why Not . . . ? shared a glimpse into how I go about making sure my resolutions become realities in the months ahead.
I can hardly believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away, which means this weekend will be full of holiday home decorating and Christmas card writing. Perhaps as well a favorite film, a cozy fire and taking care of the last few gifts on my shopping list. I must admit I
tend to enjoy the preparation and good spirit leading up to the 25th maybe even more than the day itself. And I guess that's lesson for life in general, is it not? To enjoy the journey as much as the destination? Either way, while en route or arriving at our destination, to have two wonderful things to enjoy is evidence of a very good life indeed. Have a wonderful, festive weekend everyone, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.
-Shannon
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Even though it is still December, January is just a few weeks away.
And while it may not be on the forefront of our minds to shop for,
athletic retail stores are also drastically reducing their inventory
reminding us that it's never too late to think about maintaining or
restarting your exercise regimen. And of course, having a simple, yet
stylish workout wardrobe doesn't hurt to aid in motivating us to get up
early in the morning or stay late after work to fit it into our already
busy schedule.
While my fitness regimen consists of walking,
sun salutations, at-home strength exercises and yoga classes when I can
fit them into my schedule, I have a few favorites I would love to share
with you today.
I mentioned this past summer that I was introduced to a women's athletic apparel shop in England that I couldn't wait to share with you - Sweaty Betty. And as luck would have it, they are currently having their winter sale with many items up to 50% off. The athlete workout vest
is one such item on reduction that is available in endless colors and
with its racer-back design is flattering on many different body types.
As
a native Oregonian, I feel fortunate to have Nike stores and outlet
shops at my fingertips; so needless to say, this brand is my shoe of
choice when it comes to working out. The shoes are top quality, durable
and come in a variety of styles and colors.
And one item that
would be a luxurious purchase, and now is greatly reduced thanks to the
winter sale, is the black or gray knit tunic. Layered over a favorite
yoga tank, this sweater would be the unique twist on a workout jacket to
get you from home to the gym in warmth and comfort.
I don't
know about you, but since a minimum 20-30 minutes of activity should be
incorporated into our everyday lives, we might as well look good staying
active. What do you think?
~WANT~
~Sweaty Betty Sanctuary Knitted Tunic~
~Lucy Race Me bra~
~Nike 'Dual Fusion 3' running shoe (multiple colors/designs)~
~HAVE~
~Lucy Perfect Core pant~
~Sweaty Betty Athlete Workout Vest (multiple colors)~
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